Rise Above is the title of roots singer Kava Jah’s EP which was released in March. It contains six songs, all produced by Mike Johnson.
Kava Jah, who was born in Clarendon parish in central Jamaica, lives in Santa Cruz, California. He co-wrote the songs with Johnson who also played bass, guitar and keyboards on Rise Above.
The EP is hardcore roots-reggae, which has a following in northern California for over 40 years.
“We like to keep the roots foundation while mixing in some influences from other genres like jazz, Latin, soul, etc,” said Kava Jah.
Production on Rise Above started two years ago. During that period, Kava Jah and Johnson worked in the studio with drummers DeLeon “Jubba” White (of Dubtonic Kru fame) and Kirk Bennett, keyboardists Bowie McLaughlin, Kevin Eichhorn, Cliff Manswell and Jeff Lantis, and saxophonist David Thompson.
Courage, Room For All and Landlord are some of the songs from the EP which maintains an hectic recording schedule for Kava Jah. Last year, he released several singles including Jah Is My Keeper and Simplicity.
The Rastafarian artist learned to play instruments in his father’s church in Clarendon. He began recording 20 years ago for producer Paul “Computer Paul” Henton, whose credits include Jimmy Cliff’s version of I Can See Clearly Now.
In recent years, Kava Jah has made a name on the Santa Cruz reggae scene.
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